Gratitude

I woke up this morning with my heart full to bursting with gratitude. Despite having not slept very well because of a hacking cough I've picked up this last week, I sat on the side of the bed in my normal semi conscious state, full on bedhead (picture it, or perhaps not hehe), and thought 'd'ya know what, I may be feeling really rubbish but I've a lot to be thankful for'....

I don't want to be overly sentimental otherwise you'll all want to be passed the sick bucket, but I really felt the need to pop in here today to say THANK YOU to one specific person.

I have been receiving happy mail from this lady for well over a year now. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that Becky has taken time out of her own day to day to put together parcels choc full of wonderful goodies for me. At her own expense they have found their way from Becky's little corner of Texas to my little corner of Bedfordshire, here in the UK. 

She has written me the most wonderful messages of support and encouragement since before, and after losing Mum. She has taken every care and effort to highlight the little things that make her happy by putting sticky notes on items, which have made me smile and make me happy in return. She has bought things for herself, and bought me the same with the pure intention that I might like it too. 

I have far too many wonderful things to show you, from yarn to cake tins to calendars & diaries. The items pictured are just some of the things Becky picked up for me from The Silos. If you know who Chip & Jo Gaines are, you'll know why this is SUPER SPECIAL to me!

If you're reading this Becky, I hope you realise you have really made a huge impact, and I can never repay your kindness. This blog has brought you to me, and if I never achieved anything else, I'm grateful for YOU and the connection it has given me to people like you (of whom there are many) who are genuinely kind, caring and considerate. 

No matter the distance, you have sent your kind heart 

in every word and I will never forget it.

Sx

For Sale - Handmade Decorative Mug Mats

Hello friends, I've got some surplus sets of decorative mug mats that I've made up recently and they are looking for a good home. If you'd be interested in purchasing any of them, just email me padraigin.handmade@gmail.com for details. There's a number in the top left corner of each set, so if you quote that I'll know which you're interested in. There are 4 in a set, measuring approx 11.5cm square. They come gift boxed so could be a lovely handmade gift for someone too!

Sunburst Flower Crochet and the Sky Garden

Hey there my lovelies, today there's been a hint of Spring in the air and as a consequence I'm feeling a little less lethargic. Had a lovely couple of hours at the Albero Lounge on the Riverside in Bedford this morning. There's a knit & natter on a Wednesday between 10am and midday. It's a lovely way to spend a couple of chilled out hours with like minded ladies. 

I confess we spend a fair amount of that two hours chatting, giggling, and supping on refreshments,  interspersed with a few rows of knitting and rounds of crochet. We're a friendly lot so if you're local and want to join us please do. It would be lovely to see you.

The motif you see above is an adaptation of a pattern in a book I bought many moons ago; 201 crochet motifs, blocks, projects and ideas. It's called the Sunburst Flower by Melody Griffiths. I thought it would make a good base for a pretty vase of flowers, but used my cuppa just to demonstrate the finished size for you. The pattern looks complex, but once you wrap the old grey matter around it and get into a rhythm it's fairly straightforward. 

In other news I've had many trips into the Capital recently, and whenever I go into the City I make sure to book a FREE visit to the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street. To spend an hour taking in the spectacular views over the London Skyline is a must do if you're visiting this area for any reason.

I planned my visit to ensure I would have the opportunity to see the Sunset, and believe me I was not disappointed. The light was incredible, and I was mesmerised by the golden hue enveloping the cityscape. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and it felt quite magical. I found a strange kind of peace being high up there, despite the throng of people all gathered on the viewing deck with me. I felt blessed to be able to capture that moment with my loved ones, who joined me that day. Little moments in time like that should be savoured. 

I'm grateful for the simple pleasures so much more now I know the fragility of life. And with that in mind I'd like to end this post by acknowledging a life well lived. That of Professor Stephen Hawking. What an extraordinary man, scientist and all round visionary. May he rest in eternal paradise, free from the disease that he never allowed to hinder his capabilities. 

What an inspiration.......

Mother

Crochet Bag production and reflections....

Is there ever enough hours in the day? Seems not. I don't know whether it's because I'm juggling quite a few balls in the air, but time just evaporates at the moment. I've been here there and everywhere, and not necessarily in the physical sense. My mind has been full to bursting with STUFF, mostly creative ideas and I'm finding it quite draining. The adrenaline is definitely pumping and I'm finding it hard to switch off. I'm not complaining though as I've been super busy and distracted and that's only a good thing where I'm concerned. 'Miss Ants In Your Pants 1974' hehehehehe...

My little bag production line is moving along, and I took the opportunity to photograph a few of them earlier today. I was intrigued to find out how many essential items would fit into them. You know ladies?! purse, phone, keys, notebook, powder compact, lip-gloss etc!

I was pleasantly surprised I have to say. They are plenty big enough for all those items, at roughly 12 in x 12 in. The handles are solid wood but light and comfortable to hold. Ideal for those days when you want something cute to put all your bits and bobs in. 

The light was atrocious so apologies for the pants pictures. Still I think you get the idea. More to demonstrate the size of the space available in each bag more than anything else.

--------------------------------------------------

I appreciate we're well and truly into the New Year now, but as I never shared much with you over the festive period I thought I'd throw in a selection of snaps I took on two trips I had into 'The Big Smoke'. I spent Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve in London, and it was wonderful. Just me and my better half.

We wrapped up warm to wander around the festive markets. We munched on street food, under the shadow of Tower Bridge. We marvelled at the views over the capital from the Sky Garden. We just generally mooched about and it was fantastic.

It was hard of course, as I regressed into thoughts of Mum. How much I miss her, and would've loved her to be right there with me. But I smiled and knew she was there in spirit. It's impossible to enjoy anything without a little regret when someone you love has died.

It's natural to feel empty, and to wish things were different. But I think it's really important to honour their memory by taking every opportunity to live in the moment. It's ok to laugh, and feel joy. You're not disrespecting or diminishing the grief by being happy for the simple things. 

As we approach the latter part of January, I do hope you're all settling in to the rhythm of a New Year. That whatever's going on in your life, you find the strength to cope with it. This time last year I was in the depths of despair. It was hard. But I survived, and you can too. I know some of you reading this may be going through your own turmoil. If my little contribution here can distract you for a few moments, I'm grateful.

Love Always

Sharron

x

Facebook

Up and running on Facebook

Would LOVE you to join me over there!

Just click on the image above,

see you there,

Sharron

x

Craft Cruise on the River Great Ouse - Bedford

Happy New Year to all,

I do hope the start of 2018 has been kind to you! I am settling in quite nicely I have to say, and feeling very optimistic for the year ahead. I've managed to swerve the germs that seem to be sweeping the nation at the minute. A nasty strain of cold and flu is currently doing the rounds, and I'm happy to report I've dodged it so far.  Not to tempt fate, I will be dosing myself up with plenty of fresh fruit & fluids, keeping warm and avoiding anyone remotely sniffling, sneezing or coughing.  How realistic that is is another thing......

Interspersed between the festive frivolity over recent weeks, I've been trying to wrap my head around setting up accounts on some of the other popular social media platforms. As I said last time I am in the midst of crocheting up some stock to eventually sell in my own little online shop. Things are moving in the right direction, but I appreciate there's much to do in preparation of that so I'm trying to be as methodical as I can be without procrastinating too much. I've only ever had this little ole blog to look after, so it's quite daunting to be honest.

I did set myself a little challenge though. One that has excited and frightened me in equal measure. I thought it was high time I tried my hand at planning a local event that would bring like-minded yarn addicted souls together in one place. Something that I thought would appeal to a lot of the local crafty folk in and around my home town of Bedford. It seemed to be perfect timing as our local Community Boat 'The John Bunyan' was just organising it's itinerary for the new season of excursions on the River Great Ouse when I made my initial enquiry.

Needless to say I thought it would be easy to secure a Saturday in June this early in the year, but it wasn't as straightforward as that. It's a very popular vessel, and you really do have to get in early to avoid disappointment. Nonetheless with a little tweaking I've managed to book a charter for a 4 hour cruise travelling downstream from the Priory Marina in Bedford towards Willington & return. I've organised a Cream Tea at no extra cost too! What better way to spend an afternoon?! Craft, Cream Tea, and a leisurely Cruise along the River Ouse. 

If this sounds like something you would like to do with me, then please do consider coming along. I would love to meet you all. It's my first foray into hosting this type of event so fingers crossed it proves popular. If you click on the flyer in my side bar it will take you straight to the booking site. Alternatively I am now on Facebook, and there is the option to book tickets securely and directly from the Events Page there.